Andrea Henson

Andrea Henson

Andrea Henson

Assistant Director,
Indigenous Employment Program Branch
2004 Participant
 

My name is Andrea Henson, and I’m originally from Cairns in Far North Queensland.

I commenced the program in 2004 and completed in 2005.

I saw this program as an opportunity to get my foot in the door of the Australian Public Service.  The salary was similar to what I was already receiving from the State Government and it provided me with an opportunity to gain a tertiary qualification.  I started with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

  

I had previously relocated twice to undertake work in different states, so the move from Queensland to the ACT was a smooth one.  What I didn’t expect was the level of support provided to me by the HR department, my Group Manager and my direct supervisor.  Their support, encouragement and flexibility during my first twelve months were important as I had to adapt to a new workplace, a new location with no family, plus study full time.

Studying and working full time is a challenge in itself.  I can honestly say that with the right level of support, the right attitude and determination, it is remarkable what you can achieve. It’s interesting for me to look back on the past five years since commencing as a participant. It’s astonishing what I’ve achieved.  Almost every year since I’ve successfully completed the program, I have gained a promotion.

Completing this program has increased my confidence, provided me with sought after skills and qualifications, and has empowered me to continue my career development journey.  The uniqueness of this program is that you get to put your recently acquired knowledge and skills into practice on a daily basis.  The course itself provides a solid foundation and understanding of procurement, Contract Management and how to do this successfully on behalf of the Commonwealth Government.

I am currently working in the Indigenous Employment Program Branch and for the first time in a long time I am actually contributing to making a difference to the lives of Indigenous Australians.  Five years ago I would never have thought this was possible.

I am a classic example of how participating in this program can help you achieve your career goals.  This program helps you identify your personal, education and employment pathways, and directly contributes to helping you achieve them.  The opportunities that present themselves to you during and after the program are there for the taking if you have the courage to lift your horizons.

  • Download to listen to Andrea's Story (MP3 3.4MB)

To ask Andrea a question regarding her experience, please send her an email via iadgp@deewr.gov.au